Razeray is a 20 year old MC, Songwriter, and Beat maker from Toronto. With the intention of making just pure art Razeray brings you into another time space with deep lyrical content with a passionate personal feel. This is just an artist going through his own journey chronicling it on the way with music. The main message that is trying to be sent by Razeray is love and because as he puts it, “that is the foundation under every step”. During a heat wave in early July 2016, we had a chance to kick it with the homie and it went a little something like this.
1. How did you come up with your stage name?
I love It when people ask me that because it was very simple for me! Basically it’s a family given nickname that I’ve been getting called for as long as I can remember so when I started a career in music that name just felt right and I’ve stuck with it ever since.
2. We know you rep Toronto. In America the Hiphop scene is very saturated. For those that don’t know can you let us know what’s the Hiphop scene is like in Canada?
I Think the Toronto Hip-Hop scene is over saturated as well. I think there’s too many unprofessional and unskilled performers along with many promoters waiting to take your money for show placements with 20+ people on the bill. That’s a deadly mix if you ask me, It puts a new talented developing artist in a uncomfortable vulnerable position. In terms of talent in the city it’s here but in my opinion no ones going that extra mile and me as an emerging artist I really hope to raise the bar all the way up!
3. We first heard you on Spitfire Volume 1 (Hosted by Killah Priest). You brought a special style to the mic. A lot of Canadian rappers we have heard usually are more dialed down in their records. What makes you bring that fire when you hit the booth and does it make you an outcast in today’s Hip Hop climate bc a lot of people your age seem to be making those ATL sounding records without a message in them?
I don’t think it makes me an outcast, But I see what you’re saying. I just built my writing skills on meaning and now I’m just finding my own unique style. I try hard not to look to deep at what other people are doing competitively and try and enjoy good music from good artists to stay inspired to do better.
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4. For those that don’t know are you on a label, or do you have one of your own? Plz let us know..
I’m not signed at all and I’m not under any group. I’m building the Razeray brand first before I create a Label. Once I get some clout I’ll think about expanding more into the music industry but right now I’m just focused on releasing music and Improving as an artist. #Majorkeyalert never spread yourself thin.
5. We heard you are getting ready to drop your latest work the, “Lost Treasure (Hidden Gemz) EP. We actually had a chance to rock out to it and it’s a solid project homie. What type of mind state were you in when you crafted a project like this and did you get inspiration because a lot of your generation is missing that “feeling” that a lot of us older hiphop heads used to be a custom too?
I’m very happy that you enjoyed it, It’s one of those projects that’s easy to listen to and has catchy meaningful bars that will stay in your head for weeks to come! As far mindSET? Try mindSETS! I had to battle a lot of self doubt, disappointments, and setbacks. Each time I had to change my way of thinking to move forward. And YES! I want to show the older heads that younger artists are making great hip-hop that stays true to the old school but is still also new, progressive and adding something new to Hip-Hop that wasn’t already there.
6. One track that stood out to us was the last one on your was “Revelations”. It had that Wutang mystique type of vibe to it and your word play was sick. You said “you’re the guesser and I’m the toker/ I’m the jester with the joker/ laughing maniacally on a bull dozer.” Let me ask you a question about generation wise.. the complex imaginative bars that were once so common in Hiphop have went away. Do you ever hear from your piers that you are being “too lyrical and complex”. If so, what is your response to them?
I’m glad you enjoyed the track, I wrote and produced it all! I have gotten that statement before but I take it in stride. For me, It’s all about fine tuning your art, challenging yourself and raising your own bar. I’m trying to master the formula of super lyrical but still heavily melodic. It’s not perfect yet but I’m almost there!
7. Is this EP an appetizer for an upcoming album, or what’s next for Razeray?
Great question, glad you asked. In this interview I’d like to officially announce after this summer Razeray will be releasing 1 track a month starting September. So to answer your question, I’m just going to continually make music, I have singles lined up with many young up and coming Toronto producers with new styles, new flows, and even sharper lyrics. I’d say I’d come out with another EP before an album but right now I’m focusing on trying to set-up my life first. I will be doing shows this summer to promote the EP so follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to stay in the loop!
8. Who are your top 5 rappers of all time, dead or alive?
1.Big Pun 2.2pac 3.Big L 4.Vinnie Paz 5.Hell Razah
9. Back to your start. Who were your personal influences to get into emceeing?
My number 1 personal influence would have to be hands down MC Fridge (https://soundcloud.com/fridg/tracks). He use to freestyle and spit to me while we were in high school and it just lit a light in me that I couldn’t ignore. Secondly, I would like to shout out RB from Closed Circuit. He helped me make great music and inspired me to push myself as an artist!
10. With your new project, are you trying to get major label attention, or are you trying to solidify your fan base and keep growing it on an indy level?
It would be nice to get major label attention but it wasn’t the main objective of this EP. Really I’m trying to build my catalogue and my musical experience. Growing a Fan Base on an Indy level is a huge priority for me and this EP is just 1 chapter of many. I’d love to reach hundreds of thousands of people and I do have a strategy for it but to do it right it’s going to take a little bit of extra time.
11. What is a typical day like for Razeray?
If I’m not working I’ll usually stay home the whole day posting my beats or lyrics on my snap chat story (random-stereo) or If I am working then I’ll work on my music in the morning, go to work then come back in the evening and pick up where I left off. That would be an average, typical day.
12. How do you feel about Drake as an artist and does he represent the majority of the sound coming out of Toronto in 2016?
This wouldn’t be a Interview with a Toronto rapper if you didn’t mention Drake eh? I would say more artists are trying to replicate Drake because of his success. I wouldn’t say he represents a majority of the sound coming out of Toronto because Toronto’s very diverse. I would say he’s just the most successful artist that reps T.O. As far as how I feel as Drake as an artist? If there’s one thing I’m not, it’s a hater. As long as there is good music out I’m happy. I just stay in my own lane.
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13. So on top of this EP what’s the end goal for 2016 homie?
My number one end goal for 2016 would be to increase the rate that I drop music. That’s why I’m going to start releasing 1 song a month because I want to show fans and listeners that I can execute at a professional level and provide consistently above par music!
14. One last thing, that “Greener Grass” record had such an uplifting vibe to it! We know you dropped it before but is there plans for a video in the future?
I never thought of it! But now that you mention it I’ll look into it for sure and see what I can get done!
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15. It was cool chopping it up with you bro, in closing let our readers know where to check you out and whatever else you want to let them know. Also thanks for keeping real hip hop alive with the lyrics and intensity!
Thanks man, no problem I appreciate your time. If theres one thing I want the people to know is that Razeray is forever changing, forever evolving. I have a clear vision of where I want to take my music and Its big places. Expect bigger and better from me every time you see new work from myself. If you dont already know I co-host a live Toronto Hip-Hop radio show Saturdays from 3-6 on maximumfm.ca. We interview other artists and just talk Hip-Hop! So if you want to get your Razeray fix I definitely suggest you log on and tune in!! peace!
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